Smoking Cessation in 10 Minutes
GPs can conduct an effective smoking cessation intervention in just 10 minutes by combining brief assessment, motivational interviewing, and practical support.
Step 1: Ask and Assess (2 minutes)
Begin by asking directly about smoking habits, including frequency and context. Record smoking status in the patient’s health record for future follow-up. Briefly assess motivation to quit using a simple readiness scale (e.g., 1–10). This establishes a baseline and personalises the intervention.
Step 2: Advise Clearly (2 minutes)
Provide clear, non-judgemental advice about the benefits of quitting. Use strong but supportive language, such as: “Quitting is the single most important thing you can do for your health.” Emphasise immediate benefits like improved breathing, energy, and reduced risk of heart disease.
Step 3: Assess Readiness and Barriers (2 minutes)
Ask if the patient is willing to make a quit attempt soon. Explore perceived barriers such as stress, social influences, or fear of withdrawal. Address concerns with empathy. If the patient is not ready, focus on motivational reinforcement and arrange a review.
Step 4: Assist With Strategies (2 minutes)
Provide practical options tailored to the patient:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, gum, or lozenges.
- Pharmacological aids like varenicline or bupropion where clinically appropriate.
- Behavioural support, including counselling, quitlines, or mobile apps.
AI-enabled tools can also generate personalised handouts and reminders, reinforcing strategies outside the consultation.
Step 5: Arrange Follow-Up (2 minutes)
Set a follow-up appointment or phone call within one to two weeks. Automated AI recall systems can send reminders and track progress. Document the plan in the patient’s record for continuity of care and compliance with RACGP guidelines.
Conclusion
A structured 10-minute smoking cessation intervention allows GPs to deliver clear advice, practical support, and follow-up planning. In Australia, these strategies align with RACGP standards and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-focused care. Therefore, AI-enabled systems further enhance success by automating recalls, generating handouts, and ensuring consistent support.